Confederate Freedom and Gallipoli-China

[Herald_Collier]

OOC: Sorry that I haven't posted for so long; something was up with my connection, and it kept timing out before it could connect to the server that the forum is on, or something. Anywho, resuming!

IC:
Breanna, Collier's sister, simply gave a courteous smile, "Apology accepted, Herr Beruff, thought it's quite all right; it's not like my husband and I haven't enjoyed a glass or two of champagne in front of the children. We've already explained to them all a child should know about alcohol. And then there's their schooling to consider..."

"Yes, indeed," the Herald nodded as he spoke, "Our educational program is quite extensive and thorough, and our children are expected to spend a considerable amount of time on their studies. There is also the Socialist Youth to consider; I always felt that children in our nation needed an organization, an all-inclusive group to belong to so that they might enjoy the comraderie of their peers, and take part in a multitude of exciting activities for young folk. The Socialist Youth also holds many presentations and Youth rallies at schools across the countries, promoting a good sense of social productivity and responsibility, one issue of which was the concern of underage drinking. I myself was asked to serve as a speaker in a cross-country campaign of "alcohol awareness," the Socialist Youth was most insistent that I show my support, so I gave it and gladly." Collier smiled as he finished his last few bites of the vealswurst and potato, washing it down with the last swallows of milk before wiping his lips clean with his napkin. He then looked back up to the Talmänner and Viktor, smiling.

"You'll be impressed, I think, when you see how large the organization is; they're going to be present at the Party rally taking place the day after tomorrow. I suppose I should have warned you, this is not like most rallies. It's the Party Founders' Day rally, celebrating the day the Party was officially registered and recognized by the old Republic. It's a rather large and jubilant affair," Collier smiled, a tad apologetically, as he continued, "The celebration lasts about two and a half days, starting at about noon this Friday and lasting through the weekend. I would be honored if you would be able to stay long enough to attend. It was hoped that we might be able to include the representatives of some other nations in the rally speeches and like events. Of course, I understand that we are all busy men, so if those of you wish to leave once we have conducted our diplomatic relations, I wouldn't be offended in the slightest. Besides, most of the celebration is a number of parades, grand luncheons and dinners for the masses, that sort of thing. The State's role in the affair is relatively smaller, mostly speeches and the like. Business can be continued between ourselves throughout much of the affair, with only a few interruptions, should our discussions last that long."

Collier then took out his pocketwatch, checking the time. Snapping the wolf-engraved lid closed, he looked back up to the group, "But now, I believe it is just about time for us to get going; the conference hall in the Chancellory is where our talks must take place, and our meetings are scheduled to begin soon. Not to mention that Johannes intends to coordinate the travel of these other diplomats just arriving, so they will meet us there."

At this, the children all gave sad complaints, not wanting their "Uncle Matti" to leave so soon. As he stood up from his seat at the table, he smiled to his nieces and nephews, holding his hands up gently as if to quiet them, "Now now, my dear children, I won't be gone forever. I'll be returning later in the evening, and we can have as much fun as we like then. Why don't you stay here and take care of Bruno while I'm gone; I'm sure he's lonely and would love to play with you."

Upon hearing that, the children smiled, hopping from their seats with cheers and giggles as they rushed off towards another part of the building, Breanna and Sean following. Matthias stopped his sister for a moment to give her a hug, which she returned with a kiss on his cheek before following her husband and children; apparently the living room was on the other side of the building.

"Bruno, my dog," Collier said with a sheepish smile to his guests, "He's a German Shepherd, and was a gift to me from my sister. He was left napping in the living room when I left to meet with Mister Debs at the station. Now then, we should get ready to return to Einheit; the other diplomats will be there soon, and I would hate to not be at the Chancellory to greet them."

[Talmann]

The Talmänner gently backed their chairs out and stood up. After pushing their chairs back, they walked over to the Herald.
"Wir wollen Ihnen folgen, Herr Herald," said Klaus. (We will follow you.)

OOC: It's understandable. Nice to see it's finally working.

[Zimmerwald]

It's sad to see how these officialities keep him from his nephews and nieces.  I'm starting to regret proposing this.  Viktor did not voice this out loud, deigning instead to imitate the Talmanner.

"Well, if we want to have some achievement to present to your people tomorrow, High Chancellor, we'd better get started," he said, pausing to pat Bruno and say goodbye to Collier's family before following him back to the train.

He didn't relish the crowds again.

OOC: I'm glad that's been fixed.  My computer has developed an annoying tendancy to spontaneously turn itself off.  I think it might be overheating.

[Herald_Collier]

The ride back to the Chancellory in Einheit was relatively uneventful, with the exception of the crowds herding about the Herald's motorcade as it brought Collier, Viktor, the Talmänner, and the rest of the High Chancellor's coterie to the large, white building, made of pure white marble and neo-classical in design. the building actually turned out to be sixty stories tall, not forty; half of the building was made up of numerous floors, while the other half was occupied by the massive, half-circle dome, a massive U.S.S.C.F. flag (at least fifty times the size of a standard flag) waving in the winter winds from a tall, white flagpole at the dome's peak. State police officers made themselves into a human barricade, hands clasped together as their arms were held out fully, legs bent and strugging not to slip on the fresh snow beneath their calf-high jackboots as the crowds tried to swell to such degrees as to break the line and meet the Herald in person. Collier lead the group of diplomats and his Ministers up to the wide, almost epic-sized thirty-step lead-up to the large double-door entrance, two guards wearing on-duty dress-style military uniforms on either side as they stood at attention. Discipline was clearly engraved into the minds of the Confederate military; they made no movement or expression, duty first and being taken seriously--they didn't even blink as the dazzling barrage of camera flashes from both the crowd and the press bathed the entrance way to the Chancellory in a spectacle reminiscient of a whole company of hundreds of high-rapidity strobe lights.

Collier returned the many waves as best as he could, saluting the crowds every few seconds, even occasionally reaching out to briefly grasp and shake a number of the several hands reaching outstretched as they begged for his attention, even though Major Buccholz and Weimann tried their best to maintain proximity to the High Chancellor, acting as his bodyguards out of an apparent, personal sense of duty to their head of state. Collier stopped only a few steps up the stairway and turned, smiling as he looked over the crowd, saluting and waving every so often. It was not too long after that he caught sight of what he apparently had been waiting for; another large motorcade only a few blocks down the wide, eight-lane Zentrum Platz (the main street of the capital) that lead up to the T-intersection that led the street around the so-named "Central Plaza"--the large city block five times the size of most metropolitan blocks where all the government buildings, including the Chancellory and the Parliament, stood.

"That must be the motorcade bringing the other representatives coming to meet us; Johannes never has let me down." Collier stated, adjusting his black deerskin gloves and his military-styled flat-top cap. He turned to Viktor, though he spoke to all present with him, "Time to make a good first impression, my friends."

[Talmann]

Hans and Klaus were dazzeled by the bright flashes and Klaus had to turn and blink his eyes for a moment. "Pardon me," he said, "I am unaccustomned to this form of media and technology."

Hans tryed to follow what the Herald did, waving to the media and smiling often. Klaus tryed to do this, but he usually got flashed in the face with three or more cameras, so he stopped looking out towards the crowd and tryed to focus more on where he was going. When the Herald stopped, Klaus stood behind Hans and Viktor. Klaus tryed to warm things up by trying to talk to Viktor. "Ahh. More people to join us, eh Herr Viktor? This will be an interesting meeting indeed. I do hope the Herald has time for all of us. Don't you think?"

[Zimmerwald]

To Viktor, the drive to the Chancellory was no less distateful than the drive after he had met Collier.  But he was getting more used to the crowds now.  He put his hand up every once in a while, smiled till his cheeks hurt, and shook too many hands to count.  He was appreciating the constitution of public figures more and more; he always preferred his privacy or intimate conversations.  To be able to stand this, no, to revel in it, to make it one's life work, that was leadership.

At one point he even stopped reflecting on the scores of guards that barred the entrance to the Chancellory, though he couldn't suppress the thought: if Collier's so adored, why does he need to hide behind these guards?  He repressed the thought.  Collier was a visible, magnetic, charismatic socialist in a world of capitalists, and surely all such people feared assassination.

And now, he had to answer Klaus.  "I'm sure he will.  In any case, I doubt he'll meet with each personally; we'll probably all conclave together.  That dome's sure big enough."  He didn't bother to mention that his last name was Debs, not Viktor, as that would have been rude and unnecessary.  Besides, he thought, maybe that's how they address others in Talstadt.

He saw the figures of the other diplomats exit their motorcade.  One he didn't recognize at all.  Surely, that was the diplomat from Llanydern.  The other looked familiar, if a bit peeved.  He recognized Zyanya, and waved.

[LLANYDERN]

OOC: sorry I've been away for so long I've come home for easter and the Internet connection here is not good (I blame darleks)

Dunest Elmar saw someone waving in his direction and waved back, these people were very excited he wondered why.  Still no time for that he was here for a reason.  Grabbing the nearest uniformed person near by he asked "would you be so kind as to take me to your leader".

[Zimmerwald]

Viktor stopped waving, having failed to capture Zyanya's attention, because he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.  Opening it slightly, he put it on speaker.  It would have looked just too strange to be talking on a phone in front of this crowd.

The voice, though it was close to shouting, was almost lost in the crowd's uproar, but Viktor understood what was being said.  The new government was in place, he had been appointed a Minister Plenipotentiary for the purposes of this mission.  Well, this certainly sped things up.

As the two new arrivals made their way closer to those already assembled, Viktor felt a surge of anticipation.  He'd operated in secret for too long, and it was time to show the world what could be achieved.

[Herald_Collier]

Collier smiled widely, his eyes bright and practically dancing with anticipation and jubilation as he approached the diplomats from Xyrael and Llaydern, saluting and vigorously shaking the hand of each in turn. He was particularly gentlemanly in addressing Zyanya, taking her hand more gently than the others and giving a slight bow, briefly giving her hand a kiss that barely touched the skin--he knew some women appreciated the symbolism of such an outdated gesture more than the actual physical contact involved. He looked to the group assembled about him, nodding with satisfaction.

"And now, my good friends," the Herald stated, able to project his voice from the diaphragm well enough to be heard over the roar of the crowds without having to shout or strain his lungs or vocal chords; clearly the result of several years of practice for his speeches as well as experience, "Shall we enter the Chancellory and let our talks begin? If you would be so kind as to follow me."

Giving a few last waves and salutes to the many spectators, Collier proceeded to take the lead of the group, striding up the long stairway to the double doors of their entrance. The two guards present at the sides of the doorway clicked their heels together, simultaneously saluting the Herald, who responded in kind as Weimann opened one of the large, ten-foot by five-foot doors, allowing Collier to resume leading the group into the rather impressive, crimson-carpeted lobby, at least three times the size of the foyer in Kohlersburg. The Herald took off his flat-topped cap, tucking it under his left arm with his deerskin gloves which he had just removed, not stopping as he strode in the lead, guiding the group straight through the center of the lobby towards another set of double doors, already opened and remaining so even as a second pair of soldiers on guard duty gave a disciplined salute to the High Chancellor, who again responded in kind. He lead them into what appeared to be a great assembly hall, large enough and furnished to accomodate up to 500 seats, a podium in place in front of the  large and ornately carved wooden desk on the stage-like precipice behind, made to seat the High Chancellor and the Board of Ministers during a session, no doubt.

Collier lead the group up a small set of steps to the side of this stage area, leading them to a pair of double doors somewhat smaller than those of the entrance, leading into a large room meant to accomodate a significantly smaller group of individuals, the elongated table in the center circled by twenty-five office chairs.

"This is the Conference Chamber, where I hold my discussions, reviews and advisory sessions with the Board of Ministers and any other necessary parties." Collier explained, gesturing for those present to take their seats where they wished, taking his own seat at the right-hand end of the table while Major Buccholz took his place standing at the entrance to the Conference Chamber, Weimann taking a slightly spread-legged stance behind Collier's seat and to the left, hands behind his back. The others took ther usual seats; Dr. West, Kröhner, Field Marshall Ziegler, and a couple of new faces whom the Herald gestured to and introduced in turn: One a somewhat husky individual with brown hair that was combed down on all sides, glasses on his slightly squarish-round face (Vice Chancellor, Judge Barron Richter; Chairman of the Ministry of Legislation, Legal Proceedings and Judicial Proceedings); the other a man with light blond hair cut very short in military fashion, uniformed in black with a long black overcoat of military fashion, which he had hung on a coat rack not far from the door with his officer's cap, (First Lieutenant Stephen Schwimmer, Stateshead of the State Security Service, National Intelligence and Security Adviser to the Herald), angular face clean-shaven with dark blue eyes. The seats closest to the Herald were left open for the diplomats from the various nations. Collier smiled, nodding satisfactorily as he placed his open hands together at the fingertips, elbows resting on the table as Major Buccholz closed the Conference Chamber doors.

"Now then," the High Chancellor stated in a pleasant tone, "here we are at long last, ready to hold our diplomatic discussions. I hope only for the best of results. I hope you don't mind; we tend to be more informal than parliamentary in procedures within this room, save for the obligatory opening and closing officialities; so just relax, make yourselves comfortable, and be yourselves." Collier then cleared his throat, standing up with hands clasped behind his back as he spoke in a far more official tone,  "As High Chancellor of the Confederate Democratic Socialists' Parliament, and Herald of the Democratic Socialists' Party, I thank each of you present here today, as well as extend my utmost gratitude to your respective nations for instigating these diplomatic relations. As High Chancellor, it is by my order, delegated to and through me by the Will of the People and the Welfare of the State, this meeting will now begin. The floor is open to any who wish to speak first." Collier looked with a soft smile to those present as he resumed his seat, hands clasping together excitedly, eagerly awaiting for the discussions to begin.

[LLANYDERN]

Dunest Elmar was the first to speak, "Llanydern is young nation making its first steps on the stage that is the world, we ask for friendship, and know now that bonds of friendship are strongly felt by those of Llanydern.  We need your help, for thanks to the civil war we haven't advanced technologically for some time, to some of you I must look comical, like a painting of a past age in my robes." he paused before carrying on in a more vigorous tone "However we have strived hard these past years to make our nation somewhere we can be proud of, a place where no man shall be hungry, where victory is to the just not the strong, where illness and war do not stalk the land.  We shall soon be strong and powerful just as we were once weak and unnoticed" falling back into a softer mode of speech he went on "but for my peoples sake we cannot be arrogant we must have help and who knows through this we may build a better future for all."

[Zimmerwald]

OOC: Okay, this is geting a little annoying.  I have no idea where Xyrael is, or why he hasn't been able to post, but I'd like this RP to get moving a little bit.  And, just so people don't have to go clicking all over the place trying to find it, here's the treaty again.

CHARTER OF THE UNITED AXIS OF SOCIALIST STATES

CHAPTER I. PRINCIPLES OF THE AXIS
Article 1.   This alliance is a grouping of independent, sovereign states, organized to benefit constituent states, and the working people that make up the citizenry of these states.
Article 2.   The name of this alliance is the United Axis of Socialist States.  The language of its diplomacy is Inglish.
Article 3.   The symbols of the United Axis of Socialist States, symbolizing the peaceful intentions and international character of the Axis, include:
 a. the Flag of the Rose;
 b. the Internationale;
  i. the validity of the various versions of the Internationale is determined by a simple majority vote of the Axis Council.
Article 4.   The United Axis of Socialist States embraces as its core policies anti-imperialism and internationalism, and
 a. aspires to peace with all states, based on respect for sovereignty of states and the right of peoples to choose their government;
 b. advocates the unity of all exploited and socialist countries in the face of the colonialist and imperialist policy which seeks to limit the sovereignty of states and peoples;
 c. condemns imperialism as the main force of aggression and war;
 d. repudiates armed aggression against any state;
 e. considers armed aggression of any sort an international crime, and recognizes as legitimate all counter-aggressive efforts, whether by states, organizations, or peoples.
Article 5.   The United Axis of Socialist States commits itself to the spread of socialism throughout Taijitu by peaceful means.
Article 6.   Constituent states of the United Axis of Socialist States must maintain
 a. a socialist or planned economy, directed toward production for the profit of all citizens of that state;
 b. a democratic or representative government that allows the working class to govern the state;
 c. a society that allows for advancement based on the work one does;
 d. a society that has eliminated, or is devoted to eliminating, exploitation of man by man.
CHAPTER II. ADMITTANCE OF NEW STATES
Article 7.   Any state that wishes to apply for membership in the Axis must possess the characteristics enumerated in Article 6.
Article 8.   All the representatives of the constituent states at the time of an application have the right to question the applicant nation’s representative to determine that they comply with Article 6.  Such questioning will be held for seven days, unless the representatives of the constituent states unanimously wish to abbreviate it.
Article 9.   A vote on the application of a new state shall take place immediately after the questioning period.  Each representative shall have one vote.  Admittance will be based on a simple majority vote.
Article 10. A constituent state may only be ejected from the United Axis of Socialist States if it has failed to comply with the requirements listed in Article 6, or if it has failed to send its representative to the Axis Council within one month of admittance.
Article 11. Ejection shall be decided by a super majority vote of the representatives of the constituent states whose ejection is not being voted upon.
CHAPTER IV. ALIENS
Article 12. Non-citizens of the constituent states are to be afforded every opportunity to observe and experience the building of socialism.
Article 13. Diplomatic immunity is provided for, save in the following cases
 a. economic exploitation of citizens of the constituent states;
 b. sexual exploitation of citizens of the constituent states;
 c. taking the life of a citizen of any constituent states;
 d. attempting to incite citizens of the constituent states against either the United Axis of Socialist States, or any individual constituent state.
Article 14. Diplomats who have violated the provisions of Article 14 may be tried by a Special Commission set up by the Axis Council
a. the Special Commission will have all the powers of a Court of Law;
Article 15. Non-citizens of the constituent states are subject to the laws regarding non-citizens in the individual constituent states, and of Joint Axis Territory. 
CHAPTER V. MUTUAL DEFENSE PACT
Article 16. All constituent states have the right to expect military support from all other constituent states, save when the military of a constituent state is engaged in some equal or greater operation.
Article 17. The only obligation of military aid is to expel an aggressor, not to carry war into an aggressor nation’s territory, or against its people.
Article 18. Military formations are to retain their internal command structure, but shall be subordinated to the supreme command of the state to which they are deployed.
Article 19. Should a non-constituent state aggress upon more than one constituent state, or on Joint Axis Territory, the command shall fall to a Central Axis Military Command.
CHAPTER VI. GOVERNANCE OF THE AXIS
Article 20. The governing body of the United Axis of Socialist States shall be known as the Axis Council.
Article 21. Each constituent state shall have the right and duty to send one representative to the Axis Council.
Article 22. Representatives to the Axis Council are elected by popular vote of the citizenry of the state they are to represent.
Article 23. Each constituent state has one representative in the Axis Council, and each representative has only one vote.
Article 24. The Axis Council shall have the power to
 a. admit and eject constituent states, in accordance with the procedures outlined by this Charter;
 b. directly govern Joint Axis Territory;
 c. issue directives on foreign policy for all constituent states;
 d. create Special Commissions and appoint the members of the Central Axis Military Command;
 e. affiliate the Axis with other powers or organizations;
 f. appoint envoys to represent the collective Axis in situations where it requires it.
CHAPTER VII. OTHER AFFILIATIONS
Article 25. No individual constituent state may consider itself a member of any other military alliance.
Article 26. Individual constituent states may consider themselves parties to other international trade agreements, in keeping with Chapter IX.
Article 27. Individual constituent states may consider themselves members of other types of supranational organizations.
Article 28. The Axis as a whole, while limiting its members’ rights under Article 25, may consider itself a member of an outside military alliance.  Authority to decide on such a measure shall be vested in the Axis Council, and shall be decided by a simple majority vote.
Article 29. Withdrawal from an outside military alliance shall be on whatever terms that alliance stipulates.
CHAPTER VIII. JOINT AXIS TERRITORY
Article 30. All Joint Axis Territory shall be under the collective sovereignty of all constituent states.  An attack on Joint Axis Territory shall be considered aggression against all constituent states.
Article 31. All constituent states have the obligation to contribute to the defense of Joint Axis Territory, unless specifically directed not to.
Article 32. The Joint Axis Territory of Utopia shall be the meeting place for the Axis Council.
Article 33. The location of the Joint Axis Territory of Utopia may be determined by the Axis Council.
Article 34. The Joint Axis Territory of Utopia shall be considered a Jewel Colony of the constituent states of the United Axis of Socialist States under customary international law, and all constituent states shall have equal access to its resources.
Article 35. Other Joint Axis Territories may include
 a. military bases;
 b. embassies;
 c. any other territory declared by a super majority of the Axis Council to be Joint Axis Territory.
CHAPTER IX. ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICY
Article 36. All constituent states have the right to expect economic aid in times of crisis, and the duty to give economic aid to other constituent states when they require it.
Article 37. There shall be free and fair trade of commodities other than labor-power between all constituent states.
Article 38. Constituent states have most-favored-nation status.
Article 39. Constituent states have the right to any scientific or technological breakthroughs made in other constituent states, and have the duty to provide other constituent states with any scientific or technological discoveries made or employed in their territory.
CHAPTER X. CHARTER REFORMS
Article 40. This Charter may be altered or modified by a super majority vote of the Axis Council.

IC: Viktor noticed that Zyanya hadn't deigned to speak, and that Elmar was looking at him rather expectantly, so he began.  Pulling the treaty out of his briefcase once more, he put it on the table.  Elmar snatched it up immediately, while Collier sat there looking serene.  Zyanya merely seemed distracted.  Viktor began speaking. 
 
"Well, Dunest Elmar, it seems that you'll be getting your wish.  Only the High Chancellor" he inclined his head toward Collier for a second "has seen this so far, and it's met with his approval.  It's meant to be a framework for a United Left.  Now, obviously, not all of the Left is represented here.  Don't worry about that.  Copies of this have been sent to Uichi Ryu, and we hope to communicate with Saletsia, the Chinese Loyalists, and Arasel.

"You stated that your nation wanted to develop to a position of domestic justice and international strength.  Well, I, and my associates who have drafted this document, feel that this framework is adequate to do that.  Not only do you have access to the resources and technology of all the members, your nation's voice would join with all the other members to make our diplomacy that much more potent."

He stopped speaking in order to judge their reactions.  Collier, who had heard it before, was looking at the other two.  Elmar's delight clearly showed on his face, while Zyanya looked mildly interested, which, for her, meant engrossed.  It seemed she was examining the pages for some sort of flaw.  Hopefully, she wouldn't find one.

"Now, Hans and Klaus, I haven't forgotten about you, but I felt the need to get that out of the way."

[LLANYDERN]

"The nation of Llanydern agrees with the overall intent inherent in this alliance and so would be proud to take part as we see that it is flexable enough to allow for the small changes we feel would be necessary.  My nation has dealings with both Saletsia and the Chinese Loyalists, we are closer to the CL then to Saletsia and we feel confident that they will follow our lead"

OOC: don't worry the changes are very minor mainly making it slightly more interventionist (for example supporting revolutions around the world and actively combating the threat of fascists and nazi's) and also some small changes/additions to the military section.

[Zimmerwald]

OOC: there are good reasons that intervention and support of revolutions is not mandated by the treaty.  I'll PM you.

[Saletsia]

OOC: I'll just have someone come.

IC:

The doors of the conference hall opened and a man in an olive-green military suit with a briefcase came in.
"Good day ladies and gentlemen, My name is Capt. Juan Nagach and am assigned to represent Saletsia in this conference as we heard this is a conference for the leftist nations of Taijitu."

Nagach took a seat and observed what the others were doing and took a look at a sheet of paper on the table.

[Talmann]

Hans Beruff sat, staring at the paper on the table in front of him. 'Finally! Something to get our nation on its feet! But the king will not approve... 'tis a shame. Perhaps... perhaps I should...'
"Herr Debs, you say that this is a united left alliance for states, correct? What could you and your associates do to allow for parteis in other countries that have the same leaning and goals? I mean, I know Talstadt would not approve of this..."
"It certainly wouldn't..." mumbled Klaus.
"... but, as the head of my partei, I have been urged to try and set up good relations here. I, myself, am very interested in this alliance. Yet, with the current wording, I and my partei could not participate. Tell me,"
 he said, "what can you do?"